Senator Urges Local Action To Save Swimming Center

Although the state Senate has offered to help Orange County buy the Justus Aquatic Center, the bankrupt water-sports complex isn't out of the deep end yet.

The Senate on Wednesday approved an amendment setting aside $500,000 to help with a possible purchase, but local officials need to develop a plan quickly to buy and operate it.

''The bottom line is if they can't agree to something, there's not going to be any state dollars there,'' said state Sen. Toni Jennings, R-Orlando, who co-sponsored the Senate measure.

Orange County, Orlando, the University of Central Florida and the Orange school district have discussed jointly operating the swimming and diving facility. But so far they have only a vague idea about what kind of budget is needed for the center, which is off Interstate 4 near International Drive.

''We just weren't prepared for this good news,'' said Orlando Chief Administrative Officer Bob Haven, who said he has not studied the matter since discussions with the county earlier this spring.

Orange County Commission Chairman Tom Dorman, who has led an effort to buy the center, said Thursday he would try to set up more meetings as soon as possible.

''We've moved an inch, but we've still got a foot to go,'' he said of the latest developments.

Officials of the Justus complex, which includes the Radisson Inn, started reorganization proceedings last fall. The center opened in 1985 and has drawn thousands of top swimmers and divers and gained national recognition.

Bankruptcy lawyer Bob Young, who is handling the reorganization, had asked for bids to be submitted by April 26 from those interested in buying the center, but no offers were made, Dorman said. Young has expressed interest in selling it to the county, Dorman said.

Young said Thursday that several potential buyers have expressed an interest in the property.

Although Justus is insured for $7.9 million, officials have speculated that it might be available for as little as $1 million. Haven said the center's revenue covers only about half its expenses, but better marketing could improve that percentage.

UCF has said it would consider starting a swimming team to use the building. The school district may have less need because it has been authorized state money to build a new pool near Boone High School in south Orlando.

Officials from Orlando and the county have said Justus also could serve as a community recreation center, as well as being host to state and national meets.